“Fred?” Staring at the portrait smiling at her, Ginny shook her head. “Is it really you?”

Smiling, Fred chuckled a bit. “Well, that’s a matter of some discussion. I feel like me.” Grinning, Fred patted himself down, ending up by pinching himself on the cheek. Eyes twinkling at the look on Ginny’s face, he nodded. “Yep, I feel like I’m me, but I’m not really totally here.”

Shaking her head, Ginny looked over at Seamus who was watching her. Nodding, she turned back to the portrait. “Fred, we’ve all missed you so much. I think I’ve missed you as much as George has.”

Smiling, Fred nodded sadly. “It really couldn’t be helped, Gin. The time came and it was my turn to move on. If it hadn’t been me, it would have been someone else, and I can’t really wish that on anyone.” Looking around at the people walking about behind the two, Fred waved his hand at the people gathering in the yard of the Burrow. “If you would change one thing so that I was there with you, what would have happened in its place?” Shaking his head and shuddering a bit, he lowered his voice. “Trust me; there are worse things than being dead. Give it some time wait until he’s ready and then ask Harry about what happened after he went into the woods.”

Looking at her brother with a bit of wonder in her eyes, Ginny shook her head. “Fred, you sound … different.”

Smiling wryly, Fred ducked his head for a second. “It’s that whole being dead thing. Gives one an entirely different perspective on life, I’d say.” Looking at Seamus, Fred smiled. “You, young man, are very lucky that I’m not alive. I know George has been going easy on you, so far. Just think how much grief you’d be getting for dating our sister if we were both there.”

Smiling, Seamus shrugged. “I’d chance it if it meant having you back on this side of the canvas.” Looking thoughtful, he smiled. “Any chance you can tell me who’s going to win the League this year?”

Smiling, Fred nodded and leaned forward in a conspiratorial manner. Waiting for Seamus to lean closer, Fred winked and said one word. “Chudley.”

Smiling, Fred shrugged. “What do I know? I figure their chances are about as dead as I am, so I’ll go with them. Up in my old room in the house, there’s a small picture of Barnabus the Barmy and his dancing trolls. Tap the portrait three times with your wand and “Umbridge is top totty!” The portrait will swing out and reveal a hidden stash of galleons I had for a rainy day. Wager them on the Cannons to win the League, and if it comes off, use the winnings to take Ginny on a nice trip somewhere.” Smiling knowingly at Seamus, Fred nodded. “After you make an honest witch out of her.”

Blushing, Ginny rolled her eyes. “Fred, exactly how many galleons are up there?”

Shaking his head, Fred smiled. “Gin, just go with this. If it works, then you two can have a running start at being happy. If it doesn’t, then it’s just one last prank by good old Fred.” Looking at Seamus, Fred became serious. “Place the bets before the first game of the season. When Chudley wins their opener, the odds will go down. There’s a tout that frequents the Wandless Witch in Caerphilly that will take your bets. Just don’t let Horatio talk you out of the wager.”

Looking around, Seamus sighed and nodded. “It’s about time for the festivities to begin. We’ll look for you later?”

Chuckling, Fred nodded. “It’s not as if I’m going anywhere right at the moment, am I?”

Nodding, Seamus laughed. “I suppose I should get this party started. I’m going to put the cloth back, but your unveiling shouldn’t take too long.”

Holding up his hand, Fred looked serious again. “I probably won’t get a chance to say anything later, but look after George and Angelina, will you?”

Smiling sadly, Fred nodded. “I did like her, but George really fancied her.” Seeing the confused look on his sister’s face, he shrugged. “It was one of those stupid things George and I did. One of us would really fancy a girl, but we’d not have the nerve to ask her out, so the other one would. George really fancied Angelina, so he had me ask her. That’s why he asked Katie, because I thought I fancied her.” Shaking his head, Fred smiled sadly.

Rolling her eyes, Ginny sighed. “That’s even more mental than Ron asking Fleur. You two kept seeing each other, right?”

Nodding, Fred smiled. “We did, but it was more of a ‘we were close, but not that close’ thing. We were comfortable with each other. I kept trying to get the two of them together, but I just ran out of time.” Looking over at Seamus, Fred nodded seriously to him. “Death has a way of doing that to you.”

Nodding thoughtfully, Seamus agreed. “I see your point. We’ll see what we can do for them.” Looking thoughtful, Seamus smiled and winked at Fred. “I might have an idea, let me work on it and I’ll see what I can come up with.”

Moving his wand, Seamus gently lowered the cloth back over Fred’s portrait. Looking into Ginny’s eyes for a second, Seamus deliberately reached for her hand, keeping his a few inches apart from hers, until she smiled and nodded. Gently clasping her hand, they turned and moved towards the edge of the dais.

Taking his wand and pointing towards his throat, Seamus quietly cast the Sonorus spell, first upon himself and then upon Ginny. Nodding to her, he tightened his grip on her hand and began to speak.

“All right, listen up everyone.” Waiting a few seconds for people to start looking his way, Seamus nodded and waved with his free hand.

“That’s correct, I’m talking to you lot.” Laughter came from the crowd as they began to gather around. Looking out into the crowd, Seamus picked out Harry and Hermione standing together, her leaning back against him while she cradled the pensieve in her arms. Nodding to Harry, he saw Harry smile and give him with a knowing look.

Ginny flashed him a brilliant smile, and began. “We’re gathered here tonight to remember everyone who was lost in this war against Voldemort.” Proudly proclaiming the name, she noticed a few who flinched a bit as she said it. “That’s right, Voldemort’s dead, but we’re not here to remember him. We’re here to celebrate the life of not only my brother Fred, but everyone who died in the struggle.” Looking out over the crowd, she could see siblings, parents, lovers, and friends of those who died.

Nodding, Seamus laughed. “This is a party for those who are gone and those who are left. There’s not one of those who have gone on who would begrudge us celebrating what they did. Thanks to Hermione and Professor McGonagall, we can share our memories with everyone else, and both the Leaky Cauldron and the Three Broomsticks have provided food and libations for the celebrations.”

Noticing a crowd of witches edging closer to Harry and Hermione, and the annoyed look on Harry’s face, Ginny shook her head slightly and squeezed Seamus’ hand. Looking out at the crowd, she flashed them a cheery smile. “The first rule for tonight is to have a good time remembering those of us who aren’t here and those of us who are. But, there’s one restriction on tonight’s party.”

Looking over, she caught Hermione’s eye and nodded. “There are certain people here tonight who are here to remember others, not what they may or may not have done. I don’t think I need to spell out who I’m talking about, do I Romilda?” Waiting for the younger witch, who was at the head of the pack of witches inching closer to where Harry was standing to look up and blush, Ginny nodded. “I thought not. Everyone’s here to have a good time, but if anyone ends up bothering certain people, they’ll answer to me.” Twirling her wand, she nodded at the group of witches who were quickly looking for somewhere else to be.

From the crowd, Lavender Brown chorused out. “And me.”

“And us,” came from the Patil twins who were standing with their parents.

“And me,” Luna added, looking up at Ron and smiling.

Smiling at the blush on Harry’s face, Hermione nodded, “And I might have something to say about it, also.” General laughter broke out at that comment.

Grinning, Ginny continued. “Well, I think we’ve about covered that subject. Everyone have a good time, and it’s time to introduce the guest of honor for tonight’s festivities.”

Nodding, Seamus turned to the cloth draped portrait on the dais and gestured. The silvery cloth raised and the portrait of Fred was revealed. “Unless your name is Finnigan, very rare it is for the guest of honor to attend their own wake, but thanks to some unusual planning on the part of the twins and the gracious assistance of Professor Sinestra, Fred has graciously agreed to join us for tonight’s festivities.”

Scattered applause began throughout the crowd as everyone stared at Fred standing there and nodding to the crowd. A group of Gryffindors in the back began a chant of “Fred, Fred, Fred” as Molly Weasley shook her head, tears streaming down her face. Seamus allowed the chaos to continue before he raised his hands to regain a bit of order. After a few seconds of being ignored, he nodded to George, who pointed his wand at the stage and a serious of loud explosions erupted as a volley of Weasleys’ Wizard Weezes fireworks reclaimed everyone’s attention to the stage.

“Fred’s going to be here all night,” Seamus began, ignoring the laughter coming from a few of his housemates. “And the pensieve will be up here for sharing memories.” Looking over to his right, he waved his wand and the illusionary trees disappeared and people could see the Weird Sisters, ready to perform. “I think you’ve heard enough from me right now, so I’ll just ask Myron Wagtail if he and his mates can kick off this party.”

Thunderous applause broke out as Mryon waved to the crowd. “All right, you lot. We’re here to party so everyone can celebrate and remember kindly those who aren’t here. So grab a partner, grab a drink and let’s start.”

Turning to the band, he nodded to the drummer as he turned in place and began singing the intro to their latest hits, “Voldy’s Moldy”, which sounded suspiciously like a tune Peeves had created in honor of Voldemort’s defeat.

As the crowd began to move in various directions, Seamus squeezed Ginny’s hand. Carefully cancelling the sonorous spell on both of them, he winked at her. “Want to go see if anyone’s in the house?”

Blushing a bit, Gin looked over the crowd to see where the various members of her family were. Seeing her Mum and Dad talking to Professor McGonagall, she smiled. “If you’re brave enough, seeing as how I have six brothers wandering around, I think we might wander over to the house for a while. Someone should keep an eye on the place with a crowd like this.”

Jumping down from the dais, Seamus put his hands around her waist and lifted her down to the ground. Smiling at her for a second, he looked up to see Fred pantomiming gagging as he watched the two of them. Trying hard not to laugh, he nodded in Fred’s direction, allowing Ginny to catch a glimpse of him before he could stop.

Rolling her eyes, Ginny sighed. “Will you grow up?”

Smiling, Fred shook his head. “That’s the beauty of being dead; you’re stuck with me as a twenty year old forever.”

Smiling, Fred shrugged. “You two behave yourselves, or I’ll have to tell Mum about what’s been going on.”

Sticking her tongue out at him, Ginny smirked. “That threat was old before I turned six.

Looking thoughtful, Fred mused for a second. “True, but it’s a brand new threat for Seamus here. You know they won’t actually kill you, he’s not quite so certain.”

The evening passed, with music and fireworks continuing into the night. The winner of the “Most Embarrassing Fred Memory” contest was Katie Bell, with her memory of catching Fred disillusioned in the women’s shower in the quidditch locker rooms. Fred’s feeble defense to his mother that it was actually George she had caught was equaled by the curious explanation Katie gave to Angelina and Alicia why she had never seen fit to mention the lurking Fred to either of them since they were going in as she was leaving in the memory snippet as a couple of the funniest moments of the evening.

The runner up was Hermione’s memory about helping Fred with a sticking charm that was applied to all of the toilet seats in the Slytherin dungeons during her second year whenever a male student sat on them. More embarrassing than the actual prank, was the twelve year old Hermione forcing an explanation from Fred as to exactly why he wanted the charm to only stick to the thighs, legs, and arses of the unsuspecting Slytherins, and not their ‘snakes’. Fred’s stammering and blushing rationale to the innocent and wide eyed Hermione went on for an excruciating ten minutes until he tumbled to the fact she had known exactly what he was talking about all along, but was just giving him the mickey to see how flustered she could get him.

Sometime after eleven, Angelina walked out on the stage with the Weird Sisters as they were finishing up a song. Nodding to Myron, she stepped up to the microphone and smiled nervously.

“A couple of months ago, Fred and I went to Ireland on a small bit of business for the order. It seems that someone thought sending us as a couple might draw less attention, especially seeing how we both look so very Irish” Laughing along with everyone else, Angelina took a quick impromptu bow. “Strangely enough, we ended up in a pub in a small town in County Sligo called Tubbercurry. While we were there meeting with the wizard we’d been sent to find, an older gentleman began singing a song. Maybe Fred had a wee bit of the sight that night, along with quite a few pints, but he was really taken by that song and asked me to remember it. He told me I’d know when it was time to sing it for him.” Blinking back tears, she looked over across the yard to where Fred’s portrait was standing. “Fredders, I think tonight’s the night.”

Looking over her shoulder to Myron, she nodded. “Just like we rehearsed, please?”

Turning around, the lights on the stage dimmed as she took a deep breath,

Of all the money that e'er I had,
I spent it in good company.
And all the harm I've ever done,
alas it was to none but me.
And all I've done for want of wit
to mem'ry now I can't recall;
So fill to me the parting glass,
Good night and joy be to you all.

So fill to me the parting glass
And drink a health whate’er befalls
And gently rise and softly call
Good night and joy be to you all

Of all the comrades that e'er I had,
They're sorry for my going away.
And all my sweethearts that e'er I had,
They'd wish me one more day to stay.
But since it fell unto my lot,
That I should rise and you should not,
I gently rise and softly call,
Good night and joy be to you all.

Fill to me the parting glass
And drink a health whate’er befalls
And gently rise and softly call
Good night and joy be to you all

But since it fell unto my lot,
That I should rise and you should not,
I gently rise and softly call,
Good night and joy be to you all.

So fill to me the parting glass
And drink a health whate’er befalls
I gently rise and softly call
Good night and joy be to you all
Good night and joy be to you all

As the last skirl of the pipes died away, Angelina stood there in the spotlight, looking across the way to Fred. Raising the glass in her hand, she smiled. “A toast to you, Fred, and to everyone whose sacrifice made tonight possible. Not just the ones we knew, but to everyone.” Holding up her glass, she waited until everyone had theirs up before she smiled. Looking over at Seamus, she winked. “I believe the term is ‘Slainte’ that I want?”

Nodding, with one arm wrapped around Gin and the other raised for the toast, Seamus smiled. “Aye, that’s close enough. I don’t know why you were worried about fitting in, haven’t you heard of the ‘Black Irish’?”

Shaking her head, Angelina rolled her eyes. “Of course, foolish me.” Turning back to the crowd, she smiled. “Slainte” right before she drained the glass

“Slainte” the crowd returned.

Nodding, she turned back to the crowd. “It’s not that late, so continue making merry. Since Fred was a most sensible man, his ceremony tomorrow is not until after twelve, so you’ve plenty of time to recover from honoring him tonight before we honor him tomorrow.”

Stepping down as the band launched into another dance tune, Angelina wandered over to join Seamus and Ginny. Arriving just as George did, she sighed. “I still can’t believe I let you talk me into that, George.”

Smiling sadly, George shrugged. “Fred told me how well you sing, I can see why he wanted you to remember that song.”

Looking at Gin, Seamus winked. “Gin, would you keep George here company for a bit, I need to talk to Angelina for a second.” Taking Angelina’s arm, Seamus walked off a couple of yards, ignoring the curious expression that George was giving him.

Looking back over his shoulder at George for a second, Seamus turned back to Angelina and smiled. “Fred mentioned to me that he had heard of a healer that might be able to restore George’s ear.” Looking over his shoulder he nodded to Gin reassuringly before turning back to Angelina.

Looking puzzled, Angelina stared at Seamus for a second. “Why are you telling me, why aren’t you telling George?”

“Fred tried to mention something to him about it, but George refused to listen. Fred thought that if I mention it to you, you could get him to go, go with him if you have to so he’ll follow through on it.”

Shaking her head a bit, Angelina looked a bit skeptical. “Why would George listen to me and not Fred?”

Smiling, Seamus nodded over his shoulder at George. “It might just be that Fred knows that George fancies you, for starters.”

Shaking her head, Angelina sighed. “So that’s why Fred kept trying to have George and I do things together.”

Nodding, Seamus smiled. “Fred cared about you, he cares about you, but it’s his considered opinion that George really fancies you and you might feel the same.”

Shaking her head and laughing, Angelina closed her eyes. “I’m so not discussing this with you Seamus. Where’s this healer?”

Smiling, Seamus shrugged. “He’s on Tahiti. His name is Temanava Hiro, and you can find him working out of a small wizarding inn called ‘The Drunken Albatross’. He’s very strict, and it takes about two weeks to get through all of the preliminary appointments before he does the actual healing.”

Opening her eyes and nodding thoughtfully, Angelina sighed. “I can just see George sitting still for that.”

Nodding, Seamus smiled. “Exactly. If you go with him, you can keep him from getting frustrated and leaving before he can get healed.”

Nodding hesitantly, Angelina smiled at him. “I’ll mention it to him in a couple of days; see if we can go before the end of the summer.”

Smiling, Seamus took her arm and started walking her back to where they left George and Ginny. “That’s all Fred can ask, Angelina. Make sure he stays the whole two weeks and I think everyone will be pleasantly surprised with the results.”

Taking Ginny’s hand when they got back to the other two, Seamus winked at Angelina. “Well we’re going to go say ‘goodnight’ to Fred and then tell Gin’s parents goodnight.”

Shaking his head, George smiled. “You two behave, we’ll see you in the morning.”

Nodding thoughtfully, Seamus smiled. “I think so. She half fancies him now and after this little trip, I think it’ll be just what the healer ordered.”

Looking up at him, she looked a bit puzzled. “Where did you hear about this healer?”

Laughing, Seamus looked around before answering. “You know how I worked a couple of summers down on that wizarding resort, Maîtresse Île down in the Channel Isles?” Seeing her nod, he continued. “A couple of the patrons were talking about this Temanava Hiro that they had run into on hols the summer before. I just filed it away, and this seems to be the answer to our dilemma.”

Smiling happily, Ginny sighed. “George will get an ear and a girlfriend out of this.”

Shaking his head, Seamus laughed. “Just the girl. The healer’s a fraud; he works to keep people staying at the inn longer while they wait for his cures. Then he tells them that the spirits are offended over something the person did and to come back in six months and try again.”

Turning her around, he pointed to George and Angelina talking to each other. “It’s simple. Imagine those two, two weeks, beaches and swimsuits. Even George won’t be able to mess this one up.”

Staring at Seamus for several seconds, Ginny shook her head. “You’re brilliant. Scary, but brilliant. You’ve spent way too much time with Fred and George over the past few weeks.”

Nodding, Seamus laughed as he saw the expression on her face. “It’s in a good cause, you know.”

From down in the village, they could hear the chimes in the church tower ringing midnight. As the bells sounded, the Weird Sisters began a familiar tune.

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And auld lang syne?
Looking puzzled, Gin turned her head. “Whatever are they playing that for? It’s not New Years.”

For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne,
We'll tak a cup of kindness yet,
For auld lang syne!
Smiling, Seamus nodded. “It’s not Hogmanay either. But if you listen to the words, you’ll see why folks use if for times of leave-taking or funerals, also.

We twa hae run about the braes,
And pou'd the gowans fine,
But we've wander'd monie a weary fit,
Sin days of auld lang syne.

For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne,
We'll tak a cup of kindness yet,
For days of auld lang syne!

We twa hae paidl'd in the burn
Frae morning sun till dine,
But seas between us braid hae roar'd
Sin days of auld lang syne.Nodding at the look in her eyes, he kissed her gently. “It’s about friends you’ve left, and friends you’ll see again.”

And surely ye'll be your pint-stowp,
And surely I'll be mine,
And we'll tak a cup o kindness yet,
For auld lang syne!

For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne,
We'll tak a cup of kindness yet,
For days of auld lang syne!

And there's a hand my trusty fiere,
And gie's a hand o thine,
And we'll tak a right guid-willie waught,
For auld lang syne

For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne,
We'll tak a cup of kindness yet,
For days of auld lang syne!Turning around, they took the steps up to the dais. “Do you think Fred’s happy with things?” Looking a bit wistful, Ginny rested her head on Seamus’ shoulder. “I really hope he’s happy over there.”

Smiling, Seamus pointed to the empty portrait. “Oh, I think he’s getting into the swing of things over there. “

Looking at the empty portrait, Gin smiled as she read the handwritten note that was sitting on the table. ‘Back in a tic, off pranking the Marauders’.

Postlude

From the Sunday Prophet, 20 June 1999

by Rita Skeeter

(London) Earlier this week, Seamus Finnigan and Genevra Weasley announced the endowment of two awards at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The first, the Colin Creevey Award for Artistic Excellence will be awarded to the graduating student that exhibited excellence during their tenure at Hogwarts in some creative endeavor for use as tuition for further study at the University level in any artistic or creative field of study, muggle or magical. The second, and more controversial award, is the Fred Gideon Weasley Award for Excellence in Pranking. This award, represented by a gilded toilet seat, is to be awarded to the departing (graduation not required) student who set the standard for pranks and mischief during their Hogwarts career, as deemed by a three judge panel. The initial panel will consist of George Weasley, Harry Potter, and Lee Jordon.

Ms Weasley and Mr. Finnigan announced the endowments as they were departing on an eight week trip to visit Rome and Venice. When asked what prompted the dubious generosity to their alma mater, Ms Weasley just shook her head, smiled, and replied “Merlin Bless the Chudley Cannons.” Coming flush on the heels of Ms Weasley’s signing a lucrative contract with the Holyhead Harpies who finished in second place to the Cannons during the season just past, this reporter finds Ms Weasley’s judgment to be as suspect as it was when she was allegedly under the romantic influence of the infamous Harry Potter.

The mystery surrounding these events was compounded when this reporter asked Headmistress Minerva McGonagall regarding the suitability of encouraging students in both potentially muggle creative endeavors with the Creevey award and with acts of dubious legality and sensibility with the Weasley award. Headmistress McGonagall’s only response to this reporter was to smile enigmatically and offer her a toffee.

A/N – The first song is the traditional Gaelic song “The Parting Glass”, recorded by numerous artists.